Online authorisation system to streamline application process, with a 24 hour turnaround time
Qatar Airways to offer up to 25 per cent discount on airfares to Doha from more than 160 destinations worldwide
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is pleased to welcome even more visitors from around the world to Qatar with the new electronic visitor authorisation system, launched recently by Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC).
The new electronic visitor authorisation system will enable residents of Qatar to invite family and relatives from around the world to visit Qatar during the exciting ‘Summer in Qatar’ programme and obtain a free visa upon arrival after applying through the online portal: http://www.qatarvisaservices.com.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The new electronic visitor authorisation system helps solidify Qatar’s ranking as the most open country in the region in terms of visa facilitation. The implementation of this system is a significant achievement for Qatar, as it streamlines the application process, enabling visitors of all nationalities to apply to enter our country and receive a free visa upon arrival. We are proud to offer a warm Qatari welcome to visitors from around the world, and look forward to offering them a taste of our genuine Arabian hospitality.”
“This important initiative developed by the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar and Qatar National Tourism Council will enable us to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them during the ‘Summer in Qatar’ programme, Qatar continues to soar high in the sky where borders and boundaries do not exist, only horizons. We are overjoyed to continue bringing people together, one of our core values.”
The UN World Tourism Organization recently ranked Qatar as the ‘Most Open Destination in the Middle East’ and the eighth most open destination worldwide in terms of visa facilitation. The new facilitation during the ‘Summer in Qatar’ programme will further enhance Qatar’s openness, and enrich travellers ‘experiences.
Qatar Airways recently partnered with QNTC to offer passengers up to 25 per cent discount on airfares for all flights to Doha as a final destination from more than 160 destinations worldwide on bookings up to 15 August, enabling customers to enjoy fun-filled ‘Summer in Qatar’ activities.
To book your flight, visit www.qatarairways.com/SummerInQatar.
This year’s ‘Summer in Qatar’ programme introduces a wide range of exciting indoor activities and outdoor experiences, fun for family and friends. Entertainment programs will feature regional and international artists, edutainment, sports camps and special promotions on inbound travel, hospitality and shopping. Nine world-class malls across Doha will be participating in the festivities, offering retail savings of up to 70 per cent, and a chance to win up to USD $2 million in prizes, including the grand prize of a McLaren 570S. To learn more about ‘Summer in Qatar’ events, please visit www.SummerInQatar.qa.
Qatar Museums will offer authentic experiences, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in Qatar’s rich heritage and cultural scene. Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village will bring vibrancy to the summer with family fun and entertainment shows during Eid Al-Adha.
Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars as celebrated names are set to rock ‘Summer in Qatar’. These include international and Arab artists as well as a number of Bollywood singers performing at the Bollywood Musical Festival. Movie buffs will have a chance to attend the glittering South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA). Comedy fans can anticipate the return of the Doha Comedy Festival, while the little ones will enjoy numerous stage shows including ‘Hello Kitty’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Smurfs’.
In addition, passengers already booked on Qatar Airways flights can also take advantage of a unique stopover package designed to give travellers transiting through Qatar the opportunity to discover Doha with amazing luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas.
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide. HIA has recently been ranked as fourth best airport in the world at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2019. Additionally, the airport has been ranked as a five-star Airport and was honoured with the title of ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the fifth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the fourth year in a row.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.
Qatar Airways is adding a number of other new destinations to its extensive route network in 2019, including Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia and Langkawi, Malaysia.
Notes to Editors:
About Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating more than 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 160 business and leisure destinations on board a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft. The world’s fastest-growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network this year, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, Morocco; Langkawi, Malaysia; Davao, Philippines; Izmir, Turkey; and Mogadishu, Somalia.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’ and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qatar Airways has been awarded the coveted “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, four times.
Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 160 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 160 key business and leisure destinations globally on more than 250 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 16 Boeing 777 freighters and five Airbus A330 freighters.
For further information, please contact:
Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200